THE Philippines was declared as the most gender-equal country in Asia, according to the World Economic Forum (WEF), which brings together decision-makers from across society to work on projects and initiatives that make a real difference.
Based on the WEF’s Global Gender Report 2021, the Philippines achieved a 79.1-percent gender parity among individuals of all genders. This placed the country at 17th out of 156 nations in closing the gender inequality gap and has consistently outperformed its Asian counterparts, successfully closing 78.4-percent of its overall gender gap.
Bataan First District Representative Geraldine Roman, the first transgender person elected to the Philippine Congress, was elated and hoped that the country will soon reach a 100-percent gender parity so that every Filipino is treated with fairness and equality.
The Philippine government’s dedication to gender equality is evident in the implementation of the Gender Equality and Women Empowerment (GEWE) Plan 2019-2025. This strategic plan aims to concretize and fully implement the Magna Carta of Women (MCW) or Republic Act (RA) 9710, contribute to the inclusive human development goals of the Philippine Development Plan (PDP) 2017-2022, and align with the long-term vision articulated in the Philippine Plan for Gender-Responsive Development (PPGD) 1995-2025.
Throughout the years, the country has made important strides on the issue of gender equality. Roman, however, acknowledged that much work needs to be done, and that the government’s GEWE Plan 2019-2025 serves as a promising roadmap toward a more equitable future and true equality for all.